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Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video]

Consumer Reports has taken aim at at small-displacement, forced-induction engines, saying the powerplants don't manage to deliver on automaker fuel economy claims. Manufacturers have long held that smaller, turbocharged engines pack all power of their larger displacement cousins with significantly better fuel economy, but the research organization says that despite scoring high EPA economy numbers, the engines are no better than conventional drivetrains in both categories. Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, says the forced induction options "are often slower and less fuel efficient than larger four and six-cylinder engines."
Specifically, CR calls out the new Ford Fusion equipped with the automaker's Ecoboost 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The institute's researchers found the engine, which is a $795 option over the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, fails to match competitors in acceleration and served up 25 miles per gallon in testing, putting the sedan dead last among other midsize options.
The Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Sonata Turbo and Ford Escape 2.0T all got dinged for the same troubles, though Consumer Reports has found the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the BMW 328i does deliver on its promises. You can check out the full press release below. You can also read the full study on the Consumer Reports site, or scroll down for a short video recap.

Chevy Colorado gets box delete option designed for upfitters

The Colorado, which marks the return of Chevrolet to the midsize truck segment, is receiving critical praise, and now it's time for the pickup to get to work. At the National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, IN, Chevy is unveiling a box delete option package for the model that allows businesses to custom tailor the Colorado to their needs. The choice to remove the bed is exclusively available on the Colorado Work Truck trim in the rear-wheel drive, extended cab model with a 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic gearbox, and Chevy claims this is the only option of its type in the segment. Beyond the obvious loss of the rear, these trucks feature eight mounting points on the frame for upfitters to install any necessary modifications. They also get the Z82 trailering package and a locking differential. The versions with the box delete package carry a payload rating of 2,200 pounds an a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,001 pounds. "It's ideal for utility companies requiring service bodies, as well as landscapers and other businesses needing the utility of a flatbed," Ed Peper, US Vice President for General Motors Fleet and Commerical, said in the option's announcement. Further options with the package are limited to choosing a repositioned fuel filler for the upfitter to install and deleting the rear seat for extra interior capacity. The box delete becomes available in mid-April, and buyers get a $300 credit off the price of the Colorado when it's selected. Colorado 'Box Delete' Expands Options for Businesses Chevrolet package offers unique midsize pickup platform for alternative uses 2015-03-04 INDIANAPOLIS – With a box delete option, business owners and fleet managers can have it their way when it comes to customizing the back end of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. Chevrolet today announced availability of the package in mid-April. It is on display this week at the annual National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. It is the only such option offered in the midsize truck segment. "With the segment-leading efficiency and maneuverable size, the Colorado makes a great, flexible choice for urban businesses and fleets to make the most of a midsize truck," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet & Commercial.

Ford also working on 200-mile EV to compete with Bolt, Model 3

The Chevrolet Bolt is on a lot of people's radars. You may have even noticed friends and colleagues who harbor very little interest in the automotive world, or anything labeled as "green," who have taken notice of a 200-mile electric vehicle coming out of Detroit. Mass appeal is the idea, after all. You can include Ford in the list of interested parties, in this case with the intention of taking direct aim at the Bolt – and, by proxy, the Tesla Model 3 – with an affordable, long-range EV of its own. Ford will unveil its own long-range EV, positioned to compete with Chevrolet, later this year, according to Automobile. Details are very scarce about Ford's plans, but we do know that the Bolt (or whatever the Chevy all-electric hatchback will end up being called) is expected to offer over 200 miles of driving between charges, with a sticker price around $30,000. The other major player, of course, is Tesla's smaller, more affordable sibling to the Model S. The Model 3, also slated to go on sale in 2017, should cost less than $40,000. While Tesla has established itself in the EV world, another long-range EV out of Detroit would win some customers from the California-based startup. For now, though, we'll just have to wait, as Ford remains tight-lipped about its plans for the car. Automobile predicts a possible unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, what with California's EV mandate being a driver of strategy for various automakers. Most can agree, though, that a larger field of options – while not ideal for backers of the Bolt or Model 3 – will only benefit the car-buying public. Related Video: Featured Gallery Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept: Detroit 2015 Related Gallery Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept News Source: AutomobileImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green Rumormill Chevrolet Ford Tesla Electric Future Vehicles Chevy Bolt ford ev